Our Favorite Restaurants in Israel

With so many diverse culinary options, it was hard to narrow down the list of our favorite restaurants in Israel. If the list below isn’t enough for you, join our Tel Aviv & Carmel Market Tasting Tour for a deeper look at Israeli cuisine, or a cooking class in Jerusalem using ingredients you get from Mahane Yehuda. No matter how well-acquainted you are with food here, this list offers you a great jumping-off point that won’t let you down.

Oasis- Tel Aviv

Oasis is a labor of love by chef Rima Olivera and her tightly-knit team at this intimate urban haven. With an emphasis on seasonal dishes and the highest quality ingredients, each dish transports you to a new world. In fact, all the entrees are named for different airports around the world. When possible, fresh wasabi and porcini from just outside of Rome are brought in. This restaurant also dry-ages their own meat in-house. The wine and cocktail selection is impeccable, and each of the desserts is a revelation.

The restaurant has limited seating to elevate the diners’ experience. Indoor seating is at a table or the bar, while the outside terrace is a lush oasis: plants trail across the space, and a corner is dedicated to a small pond lit by candles. This is our favorite restaurant for special occasions in Tel Aviv, and reservations are a must. Whether you’re celebrating a new job or a new engagement, you can’t miss this jewel.

Montefiore St 17, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Azura- Jerusalem

This restaurant has been around for years and recently gained a cult-like following with travelers and residents of Jerusalem. Located in the Iraqi section of Mahane Yehuda, Azura is a Turkish-influenced restaurant that serves hearty, homemade food with friendly service and startling efficiency. Azura has become considerably popular recently, with its signature eggplant dish and creamy hummus drawing customers from all over. Located in a charming courtyard, Azura has resisted efforts at gentrification and ultimately remains a neighborhood institution at heart. The slow cooking infuses every dish with mouthwatering flavor, and the simple decor and service elevate the experience. If you’re looking for a true Jerusalem experience, this kosher kitchen is the place to be.

4 Ha Eshkol, Iraqi Market, Jerusalem

1910- Kibbutz Deganiya Alef(Tiberias)

This skillful blend of Italian and Mediterranean cuisines is located in a cozy corner of Kibbutz Degania Alef. This was the first kibbutz established by Jewish pioneers in 1909 and fully operational in 1910, which is where this hidden eatery gets its name. With a focus on local alcohols and wines, the staff is happy to recommend wines that aren’t often in the spotlight. Be adventurous and try an unfamiliar vintage. Each dish is created with sharing in mind, even though we’re not sure you’ll want to after you get your first bite in. Reservations are recommended, but not required, and the restaurant is perfect for families looking for a nice night out.

Yard Rishonim, Degania A

Uri Buri

Situated in a 400-year-old Ottoman building along the shoreline of Acre, this global institution is a blend of Arab and Israeli cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood. Voted one of the top 25 restaurants in the world, the owner, Uri Jeremias, exudes a love for life and the food he serves with every dish. The fish and seafood tend to be simply plated, but they are anything but boring or traditional: each bite will make you want to cry with joy. One side of the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Israeli style. The other resembles the full interior of a Bedouin tent, so you don’t get much more authentic than Uri Buri. Make sure to reserve, if possible, a few weeks in advance since it’s incredibly popular.

Ha-Hagana St, Acre

Pago Pago- Eilat

Pago Pago features incredible panoramic views of the glittering Red Sea and flavorful seafood, the highlight of the menu. This restaurant has cultivated a prestigious guest list, including local and international celebrities as well as dignitaries who can’t get enough of the fresh twists added to the traditional dishes. The meat dishes are divine, with juicy cuts of local meat shining through the contemporary dressings used to elevate the food to a new level. The interior design won’t disappoint either, showcasing an emphasis on creative lighting to soften the mood with a romantic ambiance. If the lighting and food aren’t relaxing enough, they also offer an incredible bar with an extensive wine list and selection of top-shelf liquors. We highly recommend reserving, as loyal patrons can pack the place on any given night.

Eilat Marina 99, Eilat

Gan Eden- Tzfat

This boutique-style, family-run restaurant in Safed offers guests the chance to unwind with decadent dairy kosher courses. With cuisine that draws from traditional Italian delicacies, everything from the flaky stuffed pastries to the succulent fish will fill you with joy. They offer a curated selection of local Israeli wines to perfectly complement every dish. In addition, the staff is ready to assist with your every need. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, with a covered deck offering views of nearby Mount Meron. There are also 4 rooms indoors that center around a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Private spaces are available for larger groups. However, we recommend reserving no matter the size of your party.

Ha-Gdud ha-Shlishi St 33, Safed

Yakuta- Beer Sheva

One of Beer Sheva’s best restaurants, Yakuta introduces patrons to all the best of Moroccan home cooking, hospitality, and design, all in one tasty package. For 52 years, this family-run restaurant has served the Old City of Beer Sheva with recipes passed down from the owner’s mother, who inspired its name. The kitchen turns out hearty comfort food inside opulent, Moroccan-style walls that feel like a home in Marrakesh. From the first salads to the indulgent desserts, every dish bursts with flavor-and you absolutely shouldn’t miss the oxtail. Their stewed meats and decadent dips are favorites with residents and visitors alike, making reservations a must. This is the perfect choice for any special occasion, and the owner, Bar Ben Moyal, goes out of his way to make diners feel welcome with a personalized touch.

18 Moredai Ha Geta’ot St, Old City